HYDROCORTISONE AND THE ANTIBODY-RESPONSE IN MICE .2. CORRELATIONS BETWEEN SERUM ANTIBODY AND PFC IN THYMUS, SPLEEN, MARROW AND LYMPH-NODES

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 38  (2) , 437-443
Abstract
Corticosteroids can alter leukocyte distribution. Suppression of PFC [plaque-forming cells] in the spleen is not necessarily indicative of suppression of the antibody response. Ig[immunoglobulin]M and IgG serum antibodies and PFC in the thymus, spleen, femoral marrow, popliteal, thoracic and mesenteric lymph nodes of mice given a single hydrocortisone acetate injection at various times relative to primary immunization with SRBC [sheep red blood cells] were examined. There was close correlation between suppression of serum antibody and of splenic PFC. Few PFC could be detected elsewhere. Splenic PFC measurements did give an accurate indication of suppression overall. Suppression characteristics suggest some underlying caused which are discussed.